I've Loved You Before

Chapter 19 - When You Were Mine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Words spoken, my heart open

No, I never had butterflies like that

We danced in the moon glow

Your hands moved slow

You kissed me on the lips

Swore I wouldn't look back

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1979

"It's getting awfully late," Marlena said with a smile, tossing a blanket over the back of the couch. She turned to face her husband, waiting for his response. She was tired because of her pregnancy, and overwhelmed with worry about her sister. She'd completely forgotten about Christmas, and found herself wondering what to get for Don and Donna.

Don saw her grin, and asked, "Late? For what?"

"About what you want for Christmas," she said.

"Oh," he told her. He put the book he was flipping through down on the table, and turned to face her. "Well, that's easy. I want Sam home."

She was quiet for a moment, and then she replied, "Honey, that's awfully nice, even if you don't mean it."

"Oh, but I do, Darling. I really do." He set his briefcase on the couch. "Because I know that's what's going to make you happy, and what makes you happy, makes me happy."

She glanced down, feeling slightly ashamed. "I guess, I have been kind of a grump lately, haven't I?"

Don started putting his coat on, while giving her a smile. "You, my darling, couldn't be a grump if your life depended on it." She smiled at him, and started to chuckle. "But I know what's on your mind. How is Jordan doing with Sam?"

"I don't know. They've only had one session, and neither one are talking about it."

He saw the sadness in her face, "Did she tell you when she's coming home?"

Marlena shook her head, and looked away. It hurt too much to think about. She was so close to having the baby, and she'd really wanted her sister with her. As it stood everything was up in the air, and all she wanted was her sister by her side, healthy. She reached for her coat, and started putting it on without saying any of that.

Don came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "You know what? We're going to pick up all of those packages, and we're going to make it Christmas time in her room. We are going to get a tree, and we are going to make a celebration of it." He kissed her cheek softly, "All for her."

Marlena could barely hold back her tears. She took a deep breath, and then tipped her face up to his saying, "Have I told you lately that you're the best husband I ever had?"

"No," he said with humor. "Not as often as you should." Turning Marlena around, he cupped her face, and kissed her softly. He would give his wife whatever she wanted. "Let's get this show on the road."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was just like we were flying in another time

I felt the world was ours for the taking

When I fell into your eyes

Never a doubt that we would make it if we tried

You promised you'd never break my heart